The Uttarakhand High Court has ordered an immediate suspension of all mining activities in Bageshwar district due to significant damage to local dwellings caused by sandstone mining. The court reprimanded state officials for ignoring the issue and failing to address the dangers posed by illegal mining operations.

A report from the court-appointed commissioners, Mayank Joshi and Shaurin Dhulia, revealed cracks in the walls of houses in the Banda area of Bageshwar. The court found these findings alarming, citing the damage caused by mining activities and the potential risks of landslides and further destruction.

The court emphasized that the local administration had ignored the violations, allowing mining to continue at the base of hills where villages were situated. This, according to the court, could trigger landslides and loss of lives.

The case, initially prompted by media reports of cracks in houses due to illegal soapstone mining, led the high court to summon officials from the geology and mining department, as well as the district magistrate, for clarification.

The court stressed the need for accountability and regulation in mining operations to protect public safety.